A Case of Bacterial Postpartum Metritis in a 4-Year Old Duroc Sow

Abstract

The attention of the Animal Health team of Swine Research Unit of Swine and Rabbit Research Programme of National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) was drawn to a farrowing pen with a complaint of pus discharge from the vulva of a Duroc sow which farrowed 9 piglets 10 days earlier. Microbiological survey identified the presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus and Proteus species from the sterile vaginal swab was taken from the sow. Antibiogram revealed the susceptibility of the three identified bacteria to ofloxacin, streptomycin and gentamicin in the order of increasing susceptibility. Staphylococcus species was also found to be susceptible to ciprofloxacin while Proteus species was susceptible to augmentin® and chloramphenicol. All the three species of bacteria were resistant to nitrofuratoin, rocephin® and ampiclox®. The sow was treated with deep intramuscular administration of streptomycin at 20 mg/kg once daily for 5 days and 10 IU of oxytocin once daily for 2 days. There was expulsion of macerated feotus about 24 hours following administration of the last dose of oxytocin and the macerated feotus was properly disposed and the entire pen was cleaned and disinfected. The vulva was noticed to be completely devoid of the mucous discharges after the course of the antibiotic regimen.

Key words: Metritis, Postpartum, Duroc, Sow, NAPRI.